Recent reports about lead in drinking water prompted me to tour the City Water Purification Plan to learn how the Department of Water Management collects, processes and distributes Chicago's water supply. Here is what I learned.

The Jardine Plant is the largest water purification plant in the world, capable of processing over 1 Billion gallons of water a day - although demand is actually far less due to water conservation measures.

Water purification is a 8-hour process in which raw lake water is taken in, disinfected, and then naturally allowed to filter to produce clean water. A few chemicals are added: some to help cause particles to clump together so they can be removed, plus floride for teeth.

Lead Issues

Fresh water is virtually lead-free when it leaves DWM’s water treatment plants. However, many older single family and two-flat residences built before 1986 have lead service lines connecting the individual home to the water main, as well as lead in solder and interior household plumbing. To mitigate the effects of these potential sources of lead exposure, DWM adds a blended phosphate to the water which creates an insoluble coating on all pipes and prevents lead from leaching into the water.

As a result of this measure, Chicago’s residential water has consistently met and exceeded state, federal and industry standards. However, there have been some notable instances where lead levels have tested high. Success depends on the flow of water to keep the chemical bonds. Reports of lead exposure in taps at CPS, parks and individual homes are due to heavily deteriorated pipes or fixtures, plus the lack of sufficient movement of water to create a sufficient coating. When new water pipes are installed, or when your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. Here are easy instructions.

I encourage you to have your water tested. The Department of Water Management will come to your home to test your water, or you can do it yourself with a testing kit. Click the water quality test webpage for further information. A full report of every address tested in the city is on the site as well. You can see results for schools here.

The Chicago Rx Card is a prescription drug discount card. It serves three primary groups:

Those without health insurance;

Those on Medicare; and

Those who are insured but are interested to see if Chicago Rx Cardoffers a lower price than insurance.

Insurance and the Chicago Rx Card cannot be combined for additional discount on same prescription.

Here are some highlights of the Chicago Rx Card:

Cards are ready to use, and accepted at all major chain pharmacies and most independents

Everyone is eligible – no forms or eligibility requirements

One card is good for your entire family

Over 60,000 drugs included in program

Savings of up to 80% on your prescriptions

The card is free and no additional fee is applied when used at pharmacies

Card is good for pet prescriptions when filled at a participating pharmacy

The 43rd Ward has received 1000 cards and constituents can come and pick up a card or just click to print, text, or email your card. For more information, visit the website here.

Community Meeting for Incidental Liquor License

2407 North Clark Street

Taco Bell Cantina Restaurant

Hosted by Ald. Smith and Park West Community Association

TODAY, Tuesday, July 24 at 6:30 PM

444 West Fullerton Pkwy – First Floor (former Standard Market Grill)

Taco Bell representatives will present their proposal and answer questions regarding this application request. My office will attend the meeting to monitor the discussion, take notes and record your feedback. The full invite is
here.

Austen traces the good intentions, what went wrong, and what we learned from the building of Cabrini-Green, home to 15,000 people at its peak, to its demise as a national symbol of public housing problems.

All community members are invited to the "Keepin' It Real" Burglary Workshop by the 19th Police District Community Policing Office. At this workshop, you will hear an in-depth discussion on burglary awareness and prevention from a panel of convicted burglars.